15 Best Coffee Makers for Boats (May 2023) – Reviews & Top Picks

For boating enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like a warm cup of coffee while sailing the open waters. Choosing the right coffee maker for your boat is a thoughtful decision. A coffee maker specifically designed for marine use can greatly enhance your onboard coffee-drinking experience and be the perfect addition to your sailing adventures.

Marine coffee makers come in various types, such as drip, single-serve, and compact espresso machines. Determining the ideal choice for you depends on factors like the amount of space available on your boat, power source compatibility, and your personal coffee preferences. What these coffee makers have in common is their compact design and ability to work efficiently within the constraints of a marine environment.

With these factors in mind, we’ve thoroughly researched and tested several coffee makers suitable for boats to identify the top contenders in terms of functionality, efficiency, and convenience. Read on to discover our recommendations for the best coffee makers to enhance your boating experience and make your mornings at sea that much more enjoyable.

A Summary of our Favorite Models for 2023

• Best Overall: Keurig K-Elite
• The Runner Up: OXO Brew
• Best for the Money: Hamilton Beach FlexBrew
• Best Customizable: De’Longhi TrueBrew
• Best Portable: Makita cordless

The 15 Best Coffee Makers for Boats – Reviews

Best Overall: Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

If you’re searching for a reliable boat coffee maker, the Keurig K-Elite is a versatile and user-friendly choice.

We recently used the K-Elite on our boat and found it incredibly easy to operate. It offered a range of brewing options, including iced coffee and a strong brew setting, which we appreciated during our morning jolt or afternoon pick-me-up. The variety of cup sizes catered to everyone’s coffee preferences on board.

The machine’s large 75oz water reservoir allowed us to brew multiple cups without needing to refill, which was highly convenient and saved us time during busy mornings. The removable reservoir also made it easy to refill when needed.

Though the device required the right grind size and tamping to deliver optimal pressure for brewing, we found a short learning curve was necessary to ensure the perfect brew. Additionally, though this model lacks Bluetooth compatibility, its performance and versatility make it a fantastic option for boat owners seeking a dependable coffee maker that suits various tastes.

Pros

• Multiple cup sizes for diverse preferences
• Strong brew and iced coffee options
• Large 75oz water reservoir for convenience

Cons

• Proper grind size and tamping required for optimal brewing
• Descaling process necessary for best performance
• Not compatible with Bluetooth connectivity

The Runner Up: OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker, Stainless Steel

If you are looking for an easy-to-use marine coffee maker, the OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker is a fantastic option for boating enthusiasts.

We tried this OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker on our boat, and it provided us with consistently enjoyable coffee. The brewing process is straightforward, whether you want a single cup or a full pot, ensuring you get great-tasting coffee every time. Thanks to its BetterBrew precision brewing, it keeps water temperature, volume, and brewing time at optimal levels, resulting in a delightful cup.

The Rainmaker showerhead allows for even water distribution over the grounds, and the bloom cycle helps extract the best flavors from your coffee. The stainless steel design also looks elegant and sleek in our boat’s galley, easily fitting under cabinets when not in use. With its double-wall, vacuum-insulated thermal carafe, our coffee remained hot and enjoyable throughout the journey.

However, it is essential to note that this coffee maker doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles, such as a clock, timer, or milk frother. But for boating adventures, we appreciated its simplicity and performance more than any extra features. As long as you follow the advice on grind size and coffee amount, this OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker is a practical and reliable coffee-making solution for any boat trip.

Pros

• Easy brewing for single mug or full pot
• Thermal carafe retains heat
• SCA certified for home brewing standards

Cons

• Lacks advanced features
• Requires occasional cleaning mode use
• Needs proper grind, tamp, and coffee amount to work best

Best for the Money: Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker

If versatility and convenience are what you seek in a boat coffee maker, then the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for your boat.

We recently tried the Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, and we were immediately impressed with the variety of brewing options it offers. With the ability to brew both single servings and a full 12-cup pot of coffee, it’s perfect for on-the-go mornings or when entertaining guests on your boat.

The FlexBrew offers three ways to brew: using ground coffee, K-Cup pods or other pod brands. We loved the flexibility to switch between regular and bold brewing options, allowing us to tailor our coffee to our preferences. This coffee maker also features programmable settings, making it easy to set up a freshly brewed pot of coffee when we wake up.

While the separate water reservoirs for each brewing side provide ample space for both single-serve and carafe brewing, they may take up more room on your boat’s counter. Additionally, the lack of an on/off switch may be a drawback for some users. However, overall, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker proved to be a valuable addition to our galley, ensuring that we could enjoy our cup of joe in a variety of ways.

Pros

• Compatible with ground coffee and K-Cup pods
• Single-serve and full-pot brewing options
• Customizable brew strength

Cons

• Two separate water reservoirs may take up more space
• No on/off switch on the machine
• Occasionally, grounds may overflow the filter

Best Customizable: De’Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker

If you’re a boat owner seeking a convenient, high-quality coffee maker with true one-touch simplicity, the De’Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker is the ideal choice.

Our experience with the De’Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker was fantastic. Its built-in grinder ensures the freshest taste possible, eliminating the need for pod-based machines or pre-ground coffee. The Bean Extract Technology takes care of grinding, dosing, and brewing, capturing the coffee’s full flavor and aroma in every cup.

The TrueBrew offers plenty of customization to suit your personal preferences. With 6 different cup sizes and 5 brew styles, including Light, Gold, Bold, Espresso-Style, and Over-Ice, it’s easy to craft the perfect cup of coffee just the way you like it. The Over-Ice style is particularly refreshing on a hot day out on the water.

While the De’Longhi TrueBrew has its advantages, it comes with a higher price tag than other coffee makers. However, if you’re willing to invest in a premium coffee maker for your boat, this machine offers exceptional convenience and unmatched taste in its freshly brewed coffee.

Pros

• Built-in conical burr grinder for freshly ground coffee
• Bean Extract Technology for perfect dosing and brewing
• Versatile with 5 brew styles and 6 size options

Cons

• Higher price point
• May have quality control issues
• Reported cup size discrepancies

Best Portable: Makita DCM501Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Coffee Maker

If you love coffee and boating, the Makita DCM501Z cordless coffee maker makes a reliable and portable option to keep you caffeinated at sea.

We recently took the Makita DCM501Z Cordless Coffee Maker on our latest boating trip and loved the convenience it provided. The compact design allowed us to easily store it, and the 8-9/16″ tall size with a 3-1/2″ cup clearance worked well in our small space. With the ability to use single-serve packs or ground coffee, we enjoyed brewing our favorite blends while out on the water.

Though the coffee maker claims to brew up to 3 cups on a single charge, we found that it largely depends on your battery’s capacity. We used a 5.0Ah Makita battery, getting about 2 to 3 cups in the morning before needing to recharge. It’s essential to have extra charged batteries on hand if you’re a heavy coffee drinker or have coffee-loving friends joining you on your boat.

One thing we appreciated about this coffee maker is the permanent drip filter, which allowed us to skip buying and disposing of paper filters. It was a simple task to pour the grounds directly into the coffee maker, making it even more convenient for our boating adventures. Overall, the Makita DCM501Z Cordless Coffee Maker is a wise choice for those seeking a portable coffee maker for their boat, especially if they already own Makita batteries.

Pros

• Quickly brews one 5 oz. cup of coffee in 5 minutes
• Compact design for easy storage
• No paper filters needed; convenient permanent drip filter

Cons

• Battery not included
• Produces only up to 3 cups on a single 5.0Ah battery charge
• Can be hungry on battery power

Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker

The Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker is a versatile and convenient option for boat enthusiasts who need both single-serve and carafe brewing capabilities.

We tested the Keurig K-Duo Plus and found it to be an excellent coffee maker for those who want the flexibility to brew single cups or a full carafe. The variety of brewing sizes is perfect for serving guests or enjoying a personal cup of coffee. The thermal carafe keeps our coffee warm for a couple of hours, allowing us to enjoy a hot refill without having to brew another pot.

The multi-position 60-ounce water reservoir is a great feature for boats with limited countertop space, as it can be placed on the left, right, or along the back of the brewer. Additionally, the programmable carafe auto-brew function allows us to set a brew time up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that we can wake up to freshly brewed coffee every morning.

However, we did notice that getting the proper grind size for the ground coffee can be a bit tricky to achieve the optimal extraction. The lack of a hot plate might be a drawback for some, but we appreciate that the thermal carafe keeps the coffee warm without the need for one. Lastly, while we didn’t personally experience any durability issues, some users reported their units failing after a short period of use.

Pros

• Compatible with K-Cup pods and ground coffee
• 12-cup thermal carafe keeps coffee warm for up to 2 hours
• Multi-position water reservoir saves countertop space

Cons

• Potential for uneven extraction with improper grind size
• Lacks a hot plate for the carafe
• Some users report durability issues

Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is an excellent compact coffee maker, perfect for boats and limited spaces!

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a delightful addition to your morning routine. Its slim design allowed us to easily fit it in a tight space, and the vibrant Cardinal Red color added a pop of personality to our boat’s kitchen area.

Setting up and using the coffee maker was a breeze, thanks to its straightforward functionality. We just had to fill the removable reservoir with fresh water, insert our favorite K-Cup pod, and press the brew button. In mere minutes, we had a delicious cup of coffee in hand. Additionally, the strong brew button came in handy when we wanted a more robust coffee to kick-start our day.

However, we did find a few drawbacks. The K-Mini Plus is compatible with K-Cup pods only, which may limit the variety of coffee brands you can try. Also, the machine brews only 6-12 oz. servings, which may not suit those who prefer larger coffee cups. Lastly, the lack of an integrated water tank means you have to manually refill the reservoir for each use. Despite these minor issues, the Keurig K-Mini Plus proved to be a fantastic coffee maker for our boat!

Pros

• Compact and sleek design
• Simple and easy to use
• Strong brew option for a bolder taste

Cons

• Only compatible with K-Cup pods
• Limited cup size options (6-12 oz.)
• Requires manual water refilling

Keurig K-Slim Single Serve Coffee Maker

The Keurig K-Slim is an ideal compact coffee maker for boat enthusiasts looking for a quick, convenient brewing solution.

After testing the Keurig K-Slim on a recent boating trip, we found its slim and compact design perfect for our limited counter space. The coffee maker easily fits on the countertop and brewed a flavorful cup of coffee in mere minutes using the multistream technology.

The removable 46 oz. water reservoir was an appreciated feature, as it allowed us to brew up to four cups of coffee before needing a refill. This was handy when we were entertaining guests aboard our boat. The three cup sizes (8, 10, and 12 oz.) catered to various preferences, ensuring everyone’s satisfaction.

However, we did notice that the reusable K-Cup filter had to be purchased separately – a slight inconvenience when looking to reduce waste. Additionally, the coffee maker requires regular descaling maintenance to ensure its longevity. Overall, we found the Keurig K-Slim to be a reliable addition to our boat’s galley, perfect for satisfying our coffee cravings during our nautical adventures.

Pros

• Space-saving design
• Efficient brewing process
• Compatible with universal K-Cup filters

Cons

• Reusable K-Cup has to be purchased separately
• Requires regular descaling maintenance
• Limited to 4-cup capacity

Cuisinart SS-15P1 Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker

If you’re seeking a versatile coffee maker for your boat, the Cuisinart SS-15P1 is a fantastic option due to its dual brewing capabilities and compact design.

We tried the Cuisinart SS-15P1, and it was a pleasure to have a coffee maker that caters to different brewing preferences. The single-serve option is perfect for a quick caffeine fix, while the 12-cup carafe allows for easy serving when hosting guests.

The fact that this coffee maker is compatible with various single cup pods and even allows the use of a reusable filter for our favorite ground coffee adds to its versatility. The adjustable brew strength and water temperature ensure a customizable and satisfying cup of coffee each time.

However, this doesn’t come without some minor drawbacks. We spilled water a few times while refilling the reservoir for the carafe side. Additionally, there was some splatter when using the single-serve function. Despite these issues, we still believe the Cuisinart SS-15P1 is a solid choice for any boat owner looking for a versatile and high-quality coffee maker.

Pros

• Offers both single-serve and carafe brewing options
• Compatible with various single cup pods and reusable filter cup
• Adjustable brew strength and carafe water temperature

Cons

• Refilling water for the carafe side can be awkward and cause spills
• Some splatter may occur when using the single-serve function
• Price may be higher compared to other coffee makers

Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 14-Cup Coffee Maker

If you crave for delicious coffee on your boat, this Cuisinart Coffee Maker is worth your attention.

We recently tried the Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 14-Cup Coffee Maker on our boat and found it to be a game-changer when it comes to brewing coffee. The fully automatic brew strength control allowed us to customize the taste of our coffee, from mild to strong, based on our preferences.

One notable feature is the 1-4 cup setting, which comes in handy when you want to brew just a couple of cups instead of an entire pot. This offers great flexibility, especially if you’re sailing with a smaller group or just want a quick cup for yourself.

While the stainless steel and glass materials ensure durability and longevity of the coffee maker, you should consider the voltage compatibility if you’re planning to use it outside the U.S. Also, its size can be challenging on smaller boats, but, overall, the quality and convenience it offers make it a reliable choice for boat owners who value delicious, freshly brewed coffee.

Pros

• Fully automatic for tailored brew strength
• 1-4 cup setting for small or large batches
• High-quality stainless steel and glass construction

Cons

• Voltage compatibility issue in some countries
• Bulky size may be challenging on smaller boats
• Additional equipment needed for a proper set-up

Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker

The Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker offers a versatile brewing experience for boat owners, making it a great investment for your caffeine needs onboard.

The Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker impressed us with its versatility. The four brewing styles (Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty Brew) catered to everyone’s coffee preferences, from those who prefer a standard cup of coffee to those who enjoy more adventurous coffeehouse-style drinks.

Beyond the variety of brew styles, the built-in fold-away frother was a fantastic addition, allowing us to froth milk on our boat effortlessly. We could finally enjoy cappuccinos and lattes without the need for a separate frother. Plus, cleaning the coffee maker was a breeze, thanks to the removable water reservoir and dishwasher-safe parts.

However, getting the ideal pressure to brew a perfect cup of coffee might take some trial and error. Sometimes, our boat’s motion made it difficult to achieve the right grind size and tamp pressure with the CM401, affecting the brewing quality. Adjusting the grind size and tamping the grounds appropriately was essential for us to get the best possible results, but once we got the hang of it, the coffee was excellent.

Despite the lack of a warming plate, the Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker met our boat’s coffee needs effectively, offering customizable brewing options and fuss-free maintenance. It has become our go-to coffee maker for those refreshing mornings at sea.

Pros

• Fits various brewing preferences with 4 brew styles
• Includes built-in fold-away frother
• Easy to clean thanks to removable water reservoir and dishwasher-safe parts

Cons

• Potential pressure issues if not properly set up
• May take some time to get the right grind and tamp settings
• No warming plate

Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro System 12-Cup Coffee Maker

If you’re looking for a versatile and convenient boat coffee maker, the Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro System is a great choice to consider.

We recently tried the Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro System and immediately appreciated its versatility. With the ability to brew using both coffee grounds or K-Cup pods, it’s perfect for accommodating different preferences or when you’re short on time.

The four brew styles, including Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty, let us enjoy our coffee just the way we like it. The built-in fold-away frother is a fantastic addition, allowing us to create delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffeehouse-style drinks with ease.

While it may take some experimenting to achieve the perfect brew, especially for beginners, the Ninja CFP301 offers plenty of guides and instructions to help you along the way. One minor drawback we noticed was the slightly larger footprint, which could be a concern for those with limited space on their boats. However, the variety of features and convenience this coffee maker offers makes it a fantastic choice for boat enthusiasts looking to enjoy high-quality coffee on the go.

Pros

• Compatible with both grounds and K-Cup pods
• Four brew styles for customizable coffee experience
• Built-in fold-away frother for coffeehouse-style drinks

Cons

• Potential learning curve for getting the perfect brew
• Some users may find switching between pod and ground adapters tricky
• Larger footprint compared to single-serve coffee makers

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

The Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for boat owners looking for a compact, easy-to-use, and efficient way to brew coffee on the go.

Using the K-Mini is a breeze – simply add fresh water to the reservoir, insert your favorite K-Cup pod, and press the brew button. In just minutes, you’ll have a delicious cup of coffee, tea, cocoa, or iced beverage. With the ability to brew cup sizes ranging from 6 to 12 ounces, it’s perfect for catering to individual preferences, especially when you have guests on board.

One thing we also appreciated was the energy-efficient auto shut-off feature, which helps reduce energy consumption by turning off the coffee maker 90 seconds after your last brew. However, do note that this model requires constant refilling and is only compatible with K-Cup pods. Although it’s not a major drawback, having a built-in water filter would have been an added bonus for better-tasting coffee.

Overall, if you’re looking for a portable and efficient coffee maker for your boat, the Keurig K-Mini is definitely worth considering. Its sleek design, simple operation, and customizable brew sizes make it a winning choice for any boating adventure.

Pros

• Compact design, perfect for boats
• Brews 6-12oz cups with ease
• Energy-efficient with auto shut-off feature

Cons

• Requires consistent refilling
• Only compatible with K-Cup pods
• No built-in water filter

Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve Coffee, Latte, and Cappuccino Maker

If you’re looking for a versatile and convenient coffee maker for your boat, the Keurig K-Cafe is an excellent choice offering amazing coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos.

Our experience with the Keurig K-Cafe has been delightful. The machine is straightforward to use, and the simplicity of making coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos with the press of a button has truly enhanced our morning routines on the boat. Its variety of brewing size options allowed us to customize our drinks according to our preference.

The frothing feature has impressed us with its ability to froth both hot and cold milk. Creating iced drinks was a breeze, especially during those hot summer days on the water. The dishwasher-safe frother made cleaning up hassle-free, leaving us more time to enjoy our beverages.

While the K-Cafe’s design offers great functionality, its size might be an issue in tight spaces onboard. If you’re strictly looking for espresso, this may not be the best option. However, for coffee enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one solution for their boat, the K-Café Single-Serve Coffee, Latte, and Cappuccino Maker is an outstanding choice to satisfy morning caffeine cravings and afternoon specialty beverage indulgences.

Pros

• Compatible with all K-Cup pods
• Easy-to-use frother for hot and cold beverages
• Large 60 oz water reservoir

Cons

• Bulky design might be an issue in tight spaces
• Not ideal for making espresso
• Ground coffee requires reusable My K-Cup filter (sold separately)

Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer

The Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer is an excellent choice for boat lovers in search of a reliable coffee maker with various features.

We recently brewed a pot of coffee with the Ninja CE251 and thoroughly enjoyed its customizable options. The programmable timer allowed us to set the brewing process ahead of time, making sure our coffee was ready whenever we needed it. A variety of brewing settings also made for a flavorful, personalized cup of coffee.

On our boat, this coffee maker performed well, even with limited countertop space. However, it’s essential to note that the Ninja CE251 is not explicitly designed for boat use. Adjustments might be necessary to ensure stability and functioning during a boat trip.

Overall, the Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer offers an impressive brewing experience while out on the water. While it may not be the perfect fit for every boat or situation, its large capacity and customization options make it a worthy contender for those looking for a reliable and versatile coffee maker.

Pros

• Large 12-cup brewing capacity
• Programmable timer and settings
• Removable water reservoir for easy refilling

Cons

• Not specifically designed for boat use
• Bulky size may be a concern on smaller boats
• Requires power source to operate

Buying Guide: Finding the Best Boat Coffee Maker

Finding the perfect coffee maker for your boat shouldn’t be a difficult task. You simply want a reasonably priced coffee maker that delivers good coffee without any fuss.

However, when it comes to choosing the right one for your boating adventures, you’ll need to consider more than just brewing coffee. Factors such as convenience, speed, and ease of use are crucial for making your mornings on the water enjoyable.

Since brewing coffee is a simple process – pouring hot water over coffee grounds – coffee makers for boats need to compete on the finer details. One significant aspect is speed.

Coffee maker manufacturers have designed machines that can brew a cup of coffee in a matter of seconds, perfect for those single-serve moments. The era of waiting for an entire pot to fill is long gone, especially when you’re out on the open water.

Along with speed, there are several small conveniences that can make or break your coffee-making experience on a boat. Consider the following questions when choosing the best coffee maker for your boat:

1. Does the machine brew coffee hot enough, or will you need to heat it up further?
2. Is it easy to add water, or will you need to navigate tricky angles to fill the machine?
3. Does the coffee pour into your cup without spilling, or does it dribble on the countertop?
4. Does the coffee flow from the carafe at a reasonable speed, or is it frustratingly slow?

While these points may seem trivial, they’re important when your goal is to find a coffee maker that provides the fastest and easiest cup of coffee.

After all, if you wanted a time-consuming, multi-step process to make coffee, you wouldn’t be searching for a reasonably priced coffee maker for your boat.

When you find the right coffee maker that caters to your speed, convenience, and simplicity needs, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your morning coffee as you sail into the sunrise.

Conclusion

Coffee is a beloved beverage for many, and there’s nothing quite like enjoying a fresh cup while out on the water. To make the most of your coffee experience on your boat, you need the ideal boat coffee maker! For speed, convenience, and reliability in a marine environment, the Keurig K-Elite is hard to beat. It offers a wide range of hot beverage options, strengths, and sizes while remaining incredibly user-friendly – even a child could use it with ease. This machine practically anticipates your coffee cravings before you do.

If you’re seeking an outstanding coffee maker experience without breaking the bank, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew is a fantastic choice. While it may not last forever, it delivers many of the high-end features you would expect from a more expensive machine, all at a fraction of the price.

Gone are the days of cowboys boiling coffee over a campfire and filtering the grounds with their teeth, as folklore would have it. Today, you can savor a delicious cup of coffee on your boat within seconds, all thanks to the push of a button. We hope these recommendations have “bean” helpful and provided you with solid “grounds” for choosing the perfect coffee maker for your boating adventures.

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